France–Botswana cooperation on digital transformation

Diplomatic relations between Botswana and France date back to Botswana’s independence. Based on shared democratic values, the bilateral relationship is confident and friendly and was boosted by the opening of an embassy in Gaborone in July 2000, when the headquarters of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) moved to the city. The head of the French diplomatic mission is also France’s Special Representative to the SADC.

In March 2019, Botswana opened a fully functioning embassy in Paris (France was previously covered from Brussels) symbolising the strength of the ties between the two countries. France, seen as having economic capabilities, is also attractive because of its culture, including fashion, which translates into significant tourism. The teaching of French in public schools reflected Botswana’s apprehension of the place of this language in international communication, including in Africa. The relations are based on a foundation of shared values: human rights, the rule of law, democracy, interstate relations subject to international law, and the United Nations Charter.

On April 9-11, 2024, France’s Minister of State for Development and International Partnership, Dr Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, visited Botswana. During her visit, there was the signing of the “Gaborone Declaration” by Botswana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape and Zacharopulou. The “Gaborone Declaration” lays out three key areas of cooperation in which Botswana and France intend to enhance their partnership, based on their mutual interests i.e. supporting sustainable agriculture, tourism and digital entrepreneurship. At a meeting hosted at the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub, the French Minister made an announcement of support to Botswana from France in the digital sector. This is in response to Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s request for a concept that is similar to Station F. Besides the announcement of support from France, there was also the Display of Team Europe approach. This is a project led by Expertise France, which is part of the EU funded programme in support of Botswana’s Digital Transformation.

There was also a reminder of France’s existing commitment to digital technology in Botswana via Vivatech for the public sector and via Orange Botswana and its Digital and Data Centre for the private sector. Most importantly, a commitment was made of the promotion of Vivatech to the local ecosystem.

In appreciating France’s commitment to support Botswana in these areas, Zacharopoulou stated her delight to witness Botswana’s strive to become a digitalised nation or a SmartsBots that the advisor to Botswana president, Professor Vasilis Koulolias informed her, Zacharopoulou said, “the centre I see is a prefiguration of Masisi’s ambition, as he mentioned it to me on February 24, to set up a functioning digital platform, similar to the one he has seen in Paris in 2021. Indeed, the Station F is considered a model of success, which inspired others in the world, bringing together entrepreneurs, start-ups, business angels, academia and more.” Furthermore, the minister stated that the role of the government was to create an enabling environment (ad hoc regulations, facilitations, incentives) for this ecosystem to emerge and that since its creation through the private initiative in 2017, it has become the largest start-up campus in the world. Zacharapoulou expressed happiness that France embraces the Team Europe approach to support Botswana in its digitalisation ambition. She stated: “I am very grateful to the European Union ambassador, Petra Pereyra, to have accepted to be here with me and I am fully convinced on the importance of a European approach to cooperation.” Zacharapoulou posited that it is a matter of political advocacy for the European project, which Botswana is dedicated to and also a matter of efficiency and coherence. “In this respect, the project I have committed to support in the joint declaration signed with Kwape, at the request of Masisi, contributes to the EU-funded programme supporting Botswana’s digitalisation”- the French Deputy Minister averred. She said under the control of the EU ambassador Pereyra, this European programme, which aligns with the global agenda on digital transformation and is part of the implementation of the Global Gateway, brings together the skills of Estonia, whose president was on a State Visit to Botswana a month ago, Finland and France.

As a parting shot, Zacharopoulou expressed her happiness to have an opportunity to meet some entrepreneurs amongst them, Mr Shine Chivia, creator of Ipachi Capital, who was selected to represent Botswana for the first time in the 2023 edition of the Vivatech competition. She said the competition, organised by Business France together with French embassies, is identified as Europe’s leading “rendezvous” for startups, offered the opportunity for these entrepreneurs to showcase Botswana’s talent in digital entrepreneurship. “We are looking at this year again to encourage Botswana’s start-up ecosystem to take part in the Vivatech regional ( Southern African) competition”, Zacharopoulou concluded.

The cooperation between Botswana and France in digital innovation is very important as it comes at a time when Botswana has taken significant steps to position itself as a leader in the global digital economy by establishing the SmartBots Lab Centre of Excellence.

This move aims at supporting Botswana’s competitiveness and socio-economic development in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The 4IR necessitates the digital transformation of various sectors, including education, work, and daily life. To facilitate this transformation and ensure inclusive growth, Botswana has developed a 4IR Digital Transformation Strategy called SmartBots. This strategy aims to drive digital transformation across the economy, government, and society, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Botswana’s national Vision 2036. It is thus very important for Botswana to nurture good cooperation in digital transformation with digitally advanced partners like France if she wants to realise the goals of the UN SDGs.